For Derock - Defense Tackling

[mikesears]

Derock,

I'm not sure what position you hold on the play about tackling the pitchman and I'm not trying to start another debate on the play. I am simply hoping you are willing to learn.

Thought I would search the casebook for a play where the defense tackles a player who is not a runner and I found one. Here is the play:

Sit 9.2.3C
QB A1 drops back 15 yards and throws a legal forward pass intended for A2, who is 5 yards behind the neutral zone (My Note: We can't have P.I.). Before the pass reaches A2; (a) B1 tackles A2; or (b) B1 blocks A2.

Ruling:
In (a), tackling A2 is a foul,as it is a form of holding (emphasis mine). Defensive players are prohibited from grasping an opponent other than the runner . . . . (b) the Contact by B1 is not pass interference and, if the block itself is legal, there is no infraction (7-5-10).

Not exactly the play that was discussed earlier, but pretty close in principle. Do you still believe that is it okay to tackle a pitchman on an option play? I say, the defense can legally block the pitchman to tie him up, but they may not tackle him.

What say you on this?